Tableware tray tilting and conveying means

ABSTRACT

Tilting means for trays carrying soiled tableware so that the tableware can be discharged for entry into a dishwashing machine while the trays are delivered to a separate washing machine. The tilting means comprises lifting elements on an endless conveyor which move into contact with one side edge of a tray. The opposite edge of the tray engages abutment means which provide a pivot location whereby the tray is tipped and the soiled tableware is removed. A separate conveyor then moves the trays away from the abutment means for delivery to the separate washing machine.

1 Unlte 11 States Patent 1111 [72] Inventors Ralph Ettlluger [56] References ci d Highland Park; UNITED STATES PATENTS [21 1 App] No Chkm bah 1,255,313 2/191 8 Hurst et al. 214/64 ux Filed Au 21,1969 2,747,753 5/1956 Jorgenson 214/308 [45] Patented June 15, 1971 Primary Examiner-Gerald M. Forlenza [73] Assignee Avant Industries, Inc. 3 Assistant Examiner-John Mannix Wheeling, lll. Attorney-McDougall, Hersh, Scott & Ladd ABSTRACT: Tilting means for trays carrying soiled tableware so that the tableware can be discharged for entry into a dishwashing machine while the trays are delivered to a separate [54] lg TRAY TILTING AND CONVEYING washing machine. The tilting means comprises lifting elements 9 D F on an endless conveyor which move into contact with one side Wing edge of a tray. The opposite edge of the tray engages abutment [52] US. Cl. 214/318 means which provide a pivot location whereby the tray is [5l] Int. Cl B65h 69/00 tipped and the soiled tableware is removed. A separate con- [50] Field of Search 214/318, veyor then moves the trays away from the abutment means for 308, 31 l, 64 delivery to the separate washing machine.

PATENTEU JUHI 51971 SHEET 1 OF 3 INVENTORS Ralph fzilinfle; Jr, Wal

TABLEWARE TRAY TILTING AND CONVEYING MEANS This invention relates to an apparatus for handling soiled tableware carried on a tray or similar type carrying means. In particular, the apparatus comprises means for engaging the tableware carrying means for discharge of the tableware to separate the tableware from the carrying means.

It is well known that many institutions, for example, schools and restaurants, handle large volumes of tableware in providing food service. A typical arrangement involves cafeteria style service wherein persons place tableware including plates, saucers, cups, glasses and silverware on a cafeteria tray. When the meal is finished, these must be collected in some fashion and prepared for washing.

It is normal practice to separate and then stack or otherwise collect the various types of tableware. For example, employees will form separate stacks of cafeteria trays, plates, saucers, cups, etc., and the same or other personnel will load the stacked pieces onto racks used in automatic dishwashing equipment or directly onto conveyors provided in the equipment. This, of course, involves a separate unstacking operation for articles such as plates, bowls, dishes and saucers.

In copending application Ser. No. 828,5]0, filed May 28, 1969, and entitled "Vibrating Sorter For Soiled Tableware," there is described a system for the handling of tableware whereby the tableware can be conveyed in random fashion to separating equipment for automatically locating the tableware in a dishwashing machine with different items such as cups and glasses being separated from other items such as plates and silverware. An important phase of the separating operation involves the discharge of the soiled tableware from cafeteria trays or other trays or carrying means which might be used for transporting the tableware to the vicinity of the dishwashing equipment. In addition, it is desirable .to provide separate cleaning means whereby the trays can be efficiently cleaned subsequent to discharge of the tableware.

It is a general object of this invention to provide an apparatus for the handling of soiled tableware and associated carrying means whereby they can be efficiently separated prior to entry into dishwashing equipment.

It is a more specific object of the invention to provide means designed to engage cafeteria type trays or other types of carrying means for tilting of the trays whereby soiled tableware on the trays will be discharged from the trays.

It is a further object of this invention to provide engaging means of the type described in the foregoing object in association with conveyor means which serve to move the tableware carrying means away from the discharge location and into separate washing means for the carrying means.

These and other objects of this invention will appear hereinafter and for purposes of illustration, but not of limitation, specific embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view illustrating tray discharge means of the type contemplated by this invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view illustrating the tilting means for the trays;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the discharge construction;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken about the line 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken about the line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view taken about the line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view taken about the line 7-7 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken about the line 8-8 of FIG. I; and,

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram utilized for the construction.

The construction of the instant invention generally relates to a means for effecting separation of soiled tableware from a carrying means such as a cafeteria type tray. In particular, the invention involves the use of a continuous conveyor which includes means for engaging the side of a tray for tipping the tray from a horizontal position to an angle at least sufficient to cause soiled tableware to slide off the tray.

An abutment means is positioned adjacent each tray when the tray moves to a discharge location. The tray is adapted to tilt about the location of the abutment means, and means are associated with the abutment means for conveying trays away from the discharge location after the soiled tableware has been removed. This conveyor means is preferably associated with a tray washing station whereby the trays will be cleaned separate from the soiled tableware.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. I, a cafeteria tray 10 is supported on a conveyor belt 12 which rides on a bed 14. For purposes of describing the instant invention, the means for carrying soiled tableware are illustrated as cafeteria trays. As illustrated in the aforementioned copending application, loaded or empty trays may be placed on a conveyor such as provided by the belt 12. The trays may be placed on the conveyor by the person using the tray or employees of the eating establishment can collect trays for placement on the conveyor belt. In any event, the trays are continuously brought into position at the discharge location as shown in FIG. 1. The position of the trays on the discharge position is controlled by a stop arm 15 which extends over the conveyor path (FIGS. 3 and 7) and may be attached to a collection chute 20. It will be appreciated that various designs for tableware carrying means have been or could be developed, and the instant invention is not limited to cafeteria type trays.

The construction shown in FIG. 1 consists of a conveyor chain 16 which is provided with a plurality of tipping flights 18. These flights are attached to the chain at evenly spaced intervals.

. When a tray 10 is in the position shown in FIG. 1, one of the flights 18 must engage one side edge of the tray. Since the belt 16 is continuously moving, the tray 10 will be tilted from a horizontal position. As shown in FIG. 1, this tilting gradually raises the tray to and then past a vertical position whereby the soiled tableware on the tray will slide off gently.

The collection chute 20 is located for receiving the soiled tableware which is discharged from the tray. Where the construction of this invention is to be directly associated with dishwashing equipment for the soiled tableware, the chute 20 could lead to a vibrating bed such as illustrated in the aforementioned copending application.

The tray tilting operation is accomplished through engagement of the trays with abutment pins or fingers 28 attached to the edge 24 of the chute 20 and situated opposite the point of engagement with the tipping flights 18. As best shown in FIG. 2, the rim 26 of a tray 10 first engages the fingers 28. A minimum number of rather widely spaced and suitably shaped fingers is preferred to avoid any interference with tableware being discharged from the tray. A shorter pin 28' may be located at the center as shown in FIG. 3 to provide additional engagement for the tray without interferring with the discharge of tableware.

As the tipping action continues, the rim 26 is shifted into engagement with the flange 30 defined at the opposite side of the trough 24. The presence of the flange: 30 prevents overtilting of the tray. This problem can also be avoided by locating a stop member for engagement with the upper parts of a tray such as the cylindrical member 34 which is supported by frame member 36 (FIG. 1).

In order to insure proper engagement of the tray with the fingers 28, a plurality of spaced apart guide elements 38 are interposed in the path of movement of the trays .prior to engagement with the fingers 28. It will be appreciated that the movement accomplished by the flights 18 will serve to force each tray upwardly over the surface of the guide elements 38 and then into engagement with the fingers 28.

The structure preferably utilized for moving the chains 16 carrying the tipping flights 18 is best illustrated in FIGS. 3, 7 and 8. The chains 16 carry Lshaped connecting members 40 at spaced intervals with base portions 42 for the flights 18 extending between the connecting members. L-shaped supports 46 are connected between connecting elements 40 at intermediate points between the flights 18 to provide additional stability between the chains 16.

The upper flights of the chains 16 are supported on flanges 48 formed in side plates 50. The lower flights of the chains ride on the members 52 which are secured to the plates 50 with the members 52 and flanges 54 of the plates 50 defining a track. It will be appreciated that the configuration of the plates 50, the flanges on the plates, and the associated members 52 determine the path of movement of the chains 16.

A motor 56 is provided for driving the conveyor belt 12 as well as the chains and associated tipping flights. Drive chain 58 extends between the sprocket 60 attached to the drive shaft of the motor, and the sprocket 62 attached to a drum supporting one end of the conveyor belt. A shaft 64 extends through the drum for driving sprocket 66. A drive chain 68 drives the sprocket 70 which, through gearbox 72, drives the sprocket 74. Chain 76 drives the sprocket '78 which is connected through shaft 80 to sprockets supporting the chains 16.

A rail 22 is attached at the side of the chute 20 as an extension of the elongated edge 24 for directing trays away from the discharge location. After movement away from the discharge location, the tray may be washed, for example by means of water sprays as illustrated in the aforementioned copending application.

A conveying means for the trays is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 1 and 7. The conveying means comprises a drive chain 82 supported on sprockets $4 and 86. The sprocket 86 is located on a shaft 88 which also carries the sprocket 911. This sprocket is driven through chain 92 which extends to the sprocket 94 carried on the drive shaft of the motor 56.

The chain 82 carries a plurality of spaced-apart plates 96 which have their side edges received in grooves defined by oppositely disposed nylon tracks 98. The plates 96 carry upstanding brackets 100 which support pusher arms 102. These arms extend transversely across the chute edge 24 for engagement with the ends of trays supported on the edge. With this arrangement, each tray will be automatically pushed away from the discharge location.

Since the conveyor belt 12, the tipping flights 18 and chain 16, and the tray discharge pusher arms 102 are all driven by a common motor, the respective movements can be readily synchronized. Thus, sprocket and gears can be selected which will insure that the speeds of the respective operating means will accommodate each other. In order to insure reliable operation, however, the use of controlled feed means for loaded trays is preferred (FIGS. 3, and 6).

The feed means consists of a pivotally mounted arm 104 which normally extends into the path of a tray on the belt 12. A spring 106 holds the arm 104 in this blocking position. A solenoid 108 includes a moveable extension 110 which is connected to the arm 104 for pivoting the arm out of blocking position upon energization of the solenoid.

The operation of the solenoid 1418 is controlled by a switch 111 mounted on a suitable bracket for engagement by flights 18, and by the switch 112 which is actuated as each tray moves into position adjacent the tilting station.

The operation of the switches and the resulting operation of the solenoid is designed so that the trays will move into the tilting station in timed relationship to the arrival of a tipping flight 18 thereby providing maximum efficiency in the operation. The arrangement also insures that a tray located for tipping will be moved a sufficient degree prior to the introduction of the next tray so that jamming will not occur.

The location of the switches 111 and 112 may be varied depending upon the circuitry employed. It will be appreciated, however, that conventional circuitry is available for achieving the desired results. The primary criteria is that actuation of the switch 111 is required before the solenoid 108 operates to release a tray. Referring to FIG. 1, the flight 18 shown at the lower right has actuated the switch 111 in sufficient time to pennit movement of a tray into position in the tilting station so that the tipping flight 18 at the lower left will engage the tray just after the tray is in position.

This switch 112 includes an actuating button 114 which is positioned directly in line with pivotally mounted actuating arm 116. The arm 116 will be depressed by a tray 10 when the tray moves into position adjacent the stop arm 1%. This will actuate the switch 112.

FIG. 9 shows a suitable circuit for operation of the solenoid 108. A holding relay 113 is operated when the switches 111 and 112 are closed thereby holding the contacts 115 closed even though the switch 111 immediately reopens. The contacts 115 should be held closed long enough for the tray to move well past the position of the arm 10 1. Release of the solenoid and passage of a tray will move the arm back into blocking position until the next flight 18 engages the switch 111. The solenoid will then again be energized if there is a tray in position for closing the switch 112. It will be apparent that the arm 104 will, therefore, not allow a succeeding tray to enter the tilting station until tipping of the preceding tray has commenced to a satisfactory degree. It will be noted in this connection that the flight 18 at the lower left in FIG. 1 will operate to move a tray 10 to the dotted line position shown by the time that the tipping flight 18 at the upper right in FIG. 1 actuates the switch 111.

In the operation of the construction, a series of trays loaded with soiled tableware will be moved along the conveyor belt 12 into position opposite the stop arm 104. The belt 12 will move relative to the tray as long as the arm 104 is in the stopping position. Upon release of the arm 104, the tray will move into a discharge position.

When in the discharge position, a tipping plate 18 will engage the tray 10 thereby sliding the tray forward over the guide elements 38 and into abutment with the fingers 28. The edge 24 provides a pivot location so that the tray will be tilted for discharge of its contents. A pusher arm 102 will automatically move into engagement with the tray whereby the tray will clear the discharge location and can be moved to a tray cleaning station.

It will be noted that the trays 10 tilt about 15 beyond the vertical to insure percent discharge. As a practical matter, most tableware will be discharged before this time, and a particularly soft discharge can be accomplished if the chains 16 and lifting flights 18 move at a relatively slow speed. More rapid operation is, of course, desirable where the tableware is particularly durable.

The movement imparted to the trays 10 by the flights l is a combined pushing and tilting action. Thus, each tray 10 is moved toward the fingers 28 so that each tray is very quickly moved out of blocking position insofar as the discharge area is concerned. Thus, a succeeding tray can be moved forward by the belt 12 even though a preceding tray is still in engagement with the chute edge 24. The next tilting operation can then commence immediately upon clearing of the rail by the pusher arms 102. This arrangement is particularly important in certain large restaurant operations which employ conveyor belts moving trays of soiled dishes at a relatively high rate.

The arrangement of this invention provides a highly efficient means for the handling of trays loaded with soiled tableware. There is no necessity for manual handling of the tableware prior to completion of the dishwashing operation.

Similarly, the conveyor trays can be moved from the discharge location directly to a dishwashing station so that the only stacking will occur after the trays have been cleaned. By synchronizing the various operations in the manner described, a maximum number of trays can be cleaned and dishes washed in a minimum time.

It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the above described construction which provide the characteristics of this invention without departing therefrom, particularly as defined in the following claims.

What we claim is:

1. In a construction for handling soiled tableware wherein the tableware is loaded on carrying means and moved to a station for discharge of the tableware from the carrying means, the improvement in means for discharging the tableware from the carrying means, said discharge means comprising lifting elements movable into contact with the side edges on one side of the carrying means, said lifting elements being disposed in spaced-apart relationship on a movable support, abutment means providing a pivot location for tipping of the carrying means in response to engagement by lifting means, and means for transporting said carrying means away from said pivot location after discharge of the tableware whereby subsequent carrying means can be moved to and tipped at the discharge location by subsequent lifting elements.

2. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said carrying means comprise trays and wherein said lifting elements are carried in spaced-apart relationship on an endless conveyor.

3. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said abutment means are located adjacent an elongated supporting surface, and including means for engaging one of the carrying means tipped at said discharge location for pushing said carrying means away from the discharge location along said supporting surface.

4. A construction in accordance with claim 3 wherein said engaging means comprise arms extending transversely across said abutment means, said arms being attached at spaced positions along the length of a continuous conveyor.

5. A construction in accordance with claim 1 including blocking means for preventing entry of a carrying means into said discharge location, and including switch means adapted to be operated by a carrying means, said switch means being operatively connected to said blocking means for releasing a carrying means into said discharge location.

6. A construction in accordance with claim 5 wherein said blocking arm is connected to a solenoid, actuation of said switch means by a carrying means serving to energize said solenoid for removing said arm from blocking position.

7. A construction in accordance with claim 3 wherein said abutment means includes upwardly extending fingers for engaging the edge of a carrying means, said fingers being sufficiently spaced apart to permit passage of tableware from the carrying means for discharging purposes. 

1. In a construction for handling soiled tableware wherein the tableware is loaded on carrying means and moved to a station for discharge of the tableware from the carrying means, the improvement in means for discharging the tableware from the carrying means, said discharge means comprising lifting elements movable into contact with the side edges on one side of the carrying means, said lifting elements being disposed in spacedapart relationship on a movable support, abutment means providing a pivot location for tipping of the carrying means in response to engagement by lifting means, and means for transporting said carrying means away from said pivot location after discharge of the tableware whereby subsequent carrying means can be moved to and tipped at the discharge location by subsequent lifting elements.
 2. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said carrying means comprise trays and wherein said lifting elements are carried in spaced-apart relationship on an endless conveyor.
 3. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said abutment means are located adjacent an elongated supporting surface, and including means for engaging one of the carrying means tipped at said discharge location for pushing said carrying means away from the discharge location along said supporting surface.
 4. A construction in accordance with claim 3 wherein said engaging means comprise arms extending transversely across said abutment means, said arms being attached at spaced positions along the length of a continuous conveyor.
 5. A construction in accordance with claim 1 including blocking means for preventing entry of a carrying means into said discharge location, and including switch means adapted to be operated by a carrying means, said switch means being operatively connected to said blocking means for releasing a carrying means into said discharge location.
 6. A construction in accordance with claim 5 wherein said blocking arm is connected to a solenoid, actuation of said switch means by a carrying means serving to energize said solenoid for removing said arm from blocking position.
 7. A construction in accordance with claim 3 wherein said abutment means includes upwardly extending fingers for engaging the edge of a carrying means, saiD fingers being sufficiently spaced apart to permit passage of tableware from the carrying means for discharging purposes. 